Ford Repair: 2006 Ford Taurus, 2006 ford taurus, ford taurus

Question
I have a 2006 Taurus and the rear driver side door is stuck shut. It started off that it opened one morning and wouldn't latch shut but I fiddled with the latch a little and got it to stay shut. then when I tried to open it, nothing happens. I've tried to take the door panel off on the advice of another tech who said I should be able to feel for and manipulate the "release lever" on the latch but the way the door panel is screwed on I can't actually get my hand down to the latch itself to mess with. If I can find a way to get the panel more open is there such a release lever and should I be able to get the door open that way? AND then how do I get it to latch correctly and avoid this from happening again? Thank you for your time and consideration.

Answer
You are stuck with one of the toughest jobs a mechaninc can encounter, the dreaded door that won't open. First, can you unlock this door? If not, this might be the issue. If it seems to unlock, then the project begins by somehow getting the door panel off. I suspect either the child lock is on and causing problems, or the latch is stuck or defective. First try spraying WD40 or something similar into the latch to see if it will free up. Use it liberally to get the stuff into the latch.

There are three screws that hold the door panel, and push pins around the perimeter. One at the pull handle/arm rest, one on the bottom, one on the rear, which will make them tough to get at the two that are hidden. I have had to do this on other vehicles, don't remember a Taurus tho.

I know of no magic way to do this, or a release lever. That tech was probably referring to the door latch linkage, which if you can get to it might allow you to open the door. I think if you  can get the top of the door panel loose, and remove the armrest screw, it might be possible to get your hand in there and find the linkage. The bad part is, sometimes when you get to the linkage the latch will still not release.

I would have to look at a Taurus for sure, but if you can remove the seat back you might find it possible to get to that rear screw which will allow more room.

Now, if the door simply will not unlock, that is another issue. I can usually get the lock to move with a "slim jim" tool for unlocking cars. Sometimes the lock actuator seizes and causes too much resistance to manual or electric unlocking. If you are not mechanically inclined, visit a qualified shop in your area and see if they can help.